The crack of the bat. The sprawling dive to come up with an outstanding catch. The dirt flying in a close play at the plate. Yep, it’s that time of year again. One of my favorites.
Baseball season, right? Not so fast, slugger. You’re heading to the wrong diamond. We’re talkin’ softball here. And TCAL softball, in particular.
If you’re looking for hotly-contested action, games in which a single play is liable to swing the outcome, your best bet is softball in the Tri-County Athletic League.
While Notre Dame is once again among the elite, sitting atop the league standings at a perfect 6-0, the Spirits know their reign isn’t safe. Though it wasn’t in a TCAL game, Gilroy ended years of frustration by topping Notre Dame, 9-7, in the Steinbeck Classic earlier in the month.
The Mustangs (12-7, 4-4 TCAL) appeared ready to go on a late-season tear, but then promptly fell to hard-charging San Benito. After enduring a one-hit shutout to Gilroy ace Sarah Villar in March, the ‘Balers (20-2, 5-2 TCAL) came out swinging and posted a convincing 6-3 win over the host Mustangs last week.
With 11 straight victories, including a 1-0 win over CCS bully Leigh, San Benito has its sights trained on the TCAL championship.
Let’s not forget Salinas and Live Oak. At 4-2 in league play, the Cowboys know the results of their upcoming make-up games will play a large role in how the TCAL standings sort out.
Meanwhile, the Acorns, 2-0 losers in Hollister last week, look for payback this afternoon in Morgan Hill. With a fine overall record of 13-6, Live Oak’s 3-5 TCAL showing speaks volumes of the league’s strength.
Notre Dame (20-3) must wade through road contests at Gilroy, Salinas and San Benito in order to preserve its hold on first place. The ‘Balers–Spirits showdown in Hollister on May 9 looms as a contest that very well could decide the TCAL champion.
The exhausting race to the TCAL finish line will only be half the drama. Come mid-May, the TCAL teams will have the chance to prove their worth against the West Catholic Athletic League and the rest of the field in the Central Coast Section playoffs.
The fireworks will be booming for the next month. Don’t worry if you haven’t stopped by your local softball field yet. But make sure to get out there soon. The fun is only just beginning.
